Today we’d like to introduce you to Kara Herman.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up in East Dallas and have been creating my entire life. My parents always made sure I had art supplies so I could paint, sketch, and craft whatever I dreamed up. When I was 10 years old, I was taught how to embroider by my childhood best friend’s Grandmom and I never stopped. She showed us some basic stitches and I loved getting to play with fabrics and choose thread colors. That same year, I asked my parents for a wire jewelry kit for Christmas, it was kind of pricey but that was what I really wanted so they made it happen! I refused to read the instructions and just started playing with wire, beads, and learning what tools to use. Again, I never stopped.
After high school, I went through a Metalsmith and Gemology program. I ended up with a Gemology certificate and some jewelry skills but trying to find a job was TOUGH. I set jewelry aside for awhile and starting embroidering like crazy again. In 2009, I started my first Etsy shop that taught me so much about taking photographs, logistics, and creating content. How did I do anything before Instagram was a thing?! Again, after some discouragement and needing to actually make ends meet, I set aside creating a bit. Off and on, I would do shows and get orders from friends (mainly my Mom’s friends).
Fast forward some more to fall 2016! I decided to finish up my Bachelor’s Degree at 28 years old at The University of North Texas. I could never have dreamed about the maker community and friends that I found during this time. Instagram and The DIME Store (Denton, Texas), have been the greatest sources of meeting other local artists and creating lasting friendships. March of 2018 I launched Cracker Jack Goods after having previously been in an embroidery business partnership. Cracker Jack is my rescue dog and I went with “goods” so I can have one place to show my work, whether I am posting about my jewelry designs or current sewing projects. It seems completely random some days but it has been fun to just enjoy making and not focus on perfectly curated content. I enjoy sharing tips, projects, and building a community through art. As well as random things I love like food and, of course, Cracker Jack!
Has it been a smooth road?
Not at all! A couple of the main reasons I have kept going is through the encouragement from friends and family, and being someone that goes into things wholeheartedly. It helps to not be afraid of failure. The last few years I went through heart surgery, a divorce, and then I decided to go back to school. Creating has always been therapeutic for me, so I managed to keep making through the crazy!
I am grateful for the journey and all the lessons learned along the way. And I love that I constantly keep learning more! One of the worst feelings I’ve ever felt is not using skills that I spent so much time learning. I still struggle with this when it comes to metal-smithing and gemology. I’ve forgotten some of my skills but I like the challenge of being able to revisit them and learn even more.
When I decided to create what I loved again instead of trying to do what is “popular,” I realized that I am way happier. I want to produce work that I am proud of and that comes from a very genuine place, as well as encourage others to find a creative outlet.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Cracker Jack Goods story. Tell us more about the business.
Cracker Jack Goods is a “hodgepodge” of my artisan handiwork. Every piece I make is handmade by me, Cracker Jack provides the quality control! Right now I make embroidered badges, hoops, and banners. I also have my jewelry that is all made of sterling silver/gold metals and gemstones.
I am really glad to have a brand where I can have all my creative outlets meet. It has been fun to see how people will react to a jewelry post vs. a stitchery post on social media. Since I have been so embroidery focused over the last couple of years, some of my friends didn’t even know that I made jewelry!
I really look forward to starting workshops this year and releasing some new products. Taking some time to try new things and see how my work is developing has been super helpful. Connecting with other makers on Instagram has been so good for me, I never thought I would ever be as extroverted as I have become. Being able to support others and brainstorm business ideas with other artists has been amazing. I highly recommend finding a maker community wherever you are or even through social media!
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Embroidery has been gaining popularity the last few years and I think it’s just going to keep growing. The options with embroidery are endless to me, I love seeing what artists come up with! I want so badly for handmade items to win over mass produced items. Hopefully, more people become aware of what and who they are purchasing from. Supporting local artists is such a great feeling.
There are so many great local artists in the Dallas area to support. I have to mention a couple of them because they have provided their ears for listening to my joys as well as hardships: Lora of Egan Street Design, Shawna of Shawna Smyth Studio, and Skye of Isle of Skye Studios. There are so many more and I hate that I can’t list everyone!
Contact Info:
- Website: crackerjackgoods.com
- Instagram: @crackerjackgoods
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
